The MTC welcomed Tradies and enthusiastic race goers to a jam–packed Friday afternoon of racing in honour of Prime7 News reporter Steph Muir, supporting her mission to raise funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere kicked off at 12.00pm with an eight-race card, featuring both local and visiting horses storming down the course proper which has been meticulously rejuvenated by the MTC Track Manager Mark Hart and his dedicated team.
Race goers created a sea of pink in support of the Raising Hope with Steph charity, with prizes awarded for the Best Dressed in Pink presented after Race 5. The community spirit was inspiring with Bentley Duncan shaving his head in the VIP Pink on the Paddock Precinct, raising awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Steph Muir was overwhelmed by the community spirit and generosity shown throughout the day.
“It was incredible to see the community come together today! I feel so honoured to see so many racegoers grace the MTC in their best pink outfits. The support from Dane, Brad, and the wider team has been fantastic. Working with the MTC has been an absolute breeze, and we hope this marks the start of a wonderful tradition for years to come!”
The party continued into the evening with the MTC hosting a Happy Hour from 4.00pm – 5.00pm with a selection of pink drinks on offer. Aaron Oldaker kept the party going after the last with classic hits outside the Champagne Bar.
The Raising Hope with Steph charity auction commenced after Race 6, raising cruicial funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation whilst well known comedian Wiradjuri Rabbs kept racegoers entertained with a phantom race to close out the afternoon’s entertainment.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is proud that the MTC has partnered with the Raising Hope with Steph team on such an important race day initiative.
The MTC values their partnership with Steph Muir in her Prime7 News role and is always taken by Steph’s enthusiasm for her work. When Steph revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, I knew Steph would attack the treatment head on and with her ever-present positive attitude, which is exactly what she has done. Then when Steph and her partner Dane approached us about a charity event for the Raising Hope with Steph charity, it was a fundraiser that we were very excited to be involved with!’ Steph, Dane, and their team of helpers have been a pleasure to work with.
The MTC is looking forward to the remaining key race dates on the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, including Viewco Xmas Party Race Day on Saturday November 29 and Ted Ryder Cup Day on Wednesday 24 December
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) welcomed over 1,200 race goers though the MTC gates to celebrate the success of its inaugural Can Assist Charity Race Day built by Steel Supplies, bringing the community together for a great day of racing, family fun and fundraising in support of regional cancer patients.
The Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere kicked off at 12.00pm with sponsors enjoying their premium private marquee offerings, as well as raising crucial funds for Can Assist Wagga’s ongoing work.
The day featured seven races, a jam-packed Kids Fun Zone, Charity BBQ and entertainment from two-time Golden Guitar award winner Aleyce Simmonds who entertained crowds throughout the day.
Punters enjoyed live coverage of The Everest and Kosciusko from Royal Randwick on the big screen, with tipping competition keeping punters with one lucky winner receiving $250 and a members race day experience at Royal Randwick.
Lilier Lodge General Manager and Can Assist Wagga representative Richard Moffat, was thrilled with the crowd numbers and success of the day.
“We are thrilled with our first race day in partnership with the MTC! Can Assist Wagga jumped at the opportunity to host the race day as it allows for vital funds and awareness
to be raised for cancer patients in NSW.”
MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario, was also thrilled with the new partnership and what the future brings for the years to come.
“The Can Assist team has been fantastic to work alongside in bringing this day to life. Raising vital funds and awareness for cancer patients is close to many people’s hearts
and a cause we are proud to be aligned with.”
“Following on from the success of the inaugural day, the MTC believes the annual Can Assist Charity Race Day will become an integral part of the MTC’s annual calendar-
from little things big things grow.”
The MTC is looking forward to the remaining key race dates on the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival, including Tradies Day & Raising Hope with Steph Race Day on Friday 31 October (raising funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation), Viewco Xmas Party Race Day on Saturday November 29 and Ted Ryder Cup Day on Wednesday 24 December.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) welcomed local media this morning to showcase the planned landmark 120-stable complex, which is in its early stages of development.
Situated parallel to the back straight on the Beckwith St side of the racecourse, the new stable complex will provide direct access to the two grass tracks and three sand tracks, and the Club’s new solar-powered trackwork lighting. Once finalised, the facility will serve as a central base for local trainers as well as significantly enhancing the region’s racing infrastructure.
Media and guests were given the first look at the construction site, including the commencement of the storm water catchment and pump station. The critical infrastructure will manage runoff from the site and is an important milestone in the project’s progression.
The initial construction is a financial commitment from the MTC to begin work and ensures the project’s Development Application remains active, allowing the rest of the project to proceed once appropriate funding is received.
The MTC is continuing to seek additional funding to ensure the finalisation of the stable complex project, which will benefit the MTC, local trainers, and also welcome new trainers to the region.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is thrilled with the initial stages of the complex being started and what the project means to the MTC.
“The MTC has over a period of many years, lost over 100 stables to commercial development adjacent to the racecourse. The stable development is a long-term vision that will deliver a modern, purpose-built training facility which is essential for the future of our Club and racing in our region.”
“The stable development project has been in the making for 8 years. Once complete, it will give trainers a permanent position close to the track, ensuring horses have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support peak performance and equine welfare.”
The MTC is actively seeking further funding to complete the project and looks forward to continued work on the project.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) saw a record-breaking crowd of 7,000 race goers flood the MTC gates for one of the biggest agriculture social events in Australia, Aggies Race Day which continues to support the Wagga Agriculture Club (WAC) and wider community.
For the third year in a row, the WAC charity committee successfully raised $30,000 for Peter Worsley, who sustained spinal injuries from a rugby incident in 1989. The VIP WAC Marquee saw 600 WAC members and sponsors enjoying their premium trackside race day experience.
Race goers had the opportunity to catch up with this year’s Farmer wants a Wife contestants including Tom Davies, Georgie Lavery, Tom Freeth and Clarette Goodhead. Returning to the MTC for the second year in a row was the 2024 Farmer wants a Wife television stars Daisy Lamb and Todd Melbourne.
Country influencer and model Madeline Curr took to the Fashions on the Field judging panel alongside Coolamon boutique owner Ruby Lucas and expert milliner Dianne Barbour. Claiming this year’s Fashion titles were Kat Steward as Best Dressed Lady, Michael Hannah Best Dressed Man, Judy and Michael Hannah Best Dressed Couple and Elizbeth Patterson Best Millinery.
Madeline Curr was thrilled to be a part of this year’s judging panel and make the journey down from Queensland.
“It was so incredible being a part of all the action today at the MTC! It is my first time at this race meeting, and it is such a fantastic turn out, especially for younger racegoers.”
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario said he was delighted with the record-breaking crowd and the success of another Aggies Race Day at the MTC. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure these major race meetings run smoothly. Being able to showcase our local trainers while also supporting local charities means a lot to our Club.”
The MTC continues to inject millions into the local economy and will continue to on a year-round basis, with the annual Wagga Gold Cup Carnival held on the first weekend of May being responsible for record breaking crowds, fantastic racing, high class fashion, delicious hospitality and live entertainment. Aggies Race Day is the second largest event on the MTC racing calendar and will continue to grow year on year.
The MTC will continue to build momentum for our feature Spring Carnival race days including Wagga Picnic Races on October 4, Can Assist Race Day on October 18, Raising Hope for Steph & Tradies Day on October 31, Xmas Party Race Day on November 29 and Ted Ryder Cup Day (Christmas Eve) on 24 December.
To learn more about the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival and view a full calendar of race meetings visit: https://mtcwagga.com.au/racing-calendar/
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is saddling up for the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival which includes six key race dates across the next three months showcasing exceptional racing, fantastic live entertainment, top tier hospitality and incredible fashion.
The MTC looks forward to welcoming crowds to the track for feature spring race dates including, Aggies Race Day, Wagga Picnic Races, Can Assist Charity Race Day Built by Steel Supplies, Raising Hope with Steph & Tradies Day, Xmas Party Race Day and Ted Ryder Cup Day (Christmas Eve).
The MTC continues to foster strong relationships with local charities. Returning partners include Wagga Agriculture Club (WAC) and Country Hope, along with new partners Can Assist NSW and Raising Hope with Steph.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is proud of the current and new charity partnerships and welcoming racegoers back to the track.
“Preparations are underway with our amazing track and maintenance team who always do an immaculate job.”
“There are so many upcoming race days which provide opportunities to reconnect with friends and family and enjoy a fun day out at the races. We are also proud of the fact that last Spring, we were able to raise over $50,000 for various charities through our race days.”
Following one of the most successful Wagga Gold Cups to date, the MTC will also begin its search for two new Faces of the Carnival who will become the official ambassadors for the 2026 Wagga Gold Cup. Successful applicants will take part in Wagga’s night of nights at the 100 Club Gala Night, feature in a professional marketing photoshoot and attend both days of the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival.
This year’s Face of the Carnival Sophie Grant reflected on her experience:
“My experience as the Face of the Carnival was incomparable! The opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the spectacular Murrumbidgee Turf Club race days, and have loads of fun was second to none. I feel so privileged to have been a part of the Face of the Carnival team this year.”
Adam Whicker who joined Sophie as the 2025 Face of the Carnival added:
“It was a great and unique experience. Seeing the behind the scenes of the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival gives one a greater appreciation of the work required to have such a successful two-day event”
“The 100 Club Gala Night was probably the biggest highlight, with the atmosphere of Town Plate and the Wagga Gold Cup being unmatched.”
The Launch of the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival was supported by returning Face of the Carnival sponsors Blowes Clothing, Social Queen Collective, Bennett and Barkell and Di Barbour Millinery. Applications are now open via the MTC website, and the 2026 Faces of the Carnival will be announced at Christmas Party Race Day on Saturday 29 November.
The MTC will continue to inject millions into the local economy, with the Spring Racing Carnival attracting visitors from across NSW and beyond. Involvement from local businesses, accommodation providers, transport services, hospitality venues, and fashion retailers all play a vital role in the ongoing success of these events.
The MTC look forward to the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival season and finding two new Faces of the Carnival ambassadors for 2026.
To learn more about the 2025 Spring Racing Carnival and view a full calendar of race meetings visit: https://mtcwagga.com.au/racing-calendar/
Can Assist Charity Race Day built by Steel Supplies
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) are thrilled to announce their new partnership with Can Assist NSW who will become the new charity partner on Saturday 18th October, which will see a day of family fun as well as raising vital funds and awareness for Can Assist NSW.
Can Assist have been providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas in NSW since 1955 and continue to do so with close to 3,000 volunteers across 56 branches in NSW, including Lilier Lodge, based in Wagga Wagga.
The family orientated race day will see a jam – packed kids’ fun zone, charity BBQ, trackside family marquees, lawn games and much more.
Keen racegoers won’t miss the action from Royal Randwick with the Kosciuszko and Everest broadcast live from the big screen, punters can have their best shot at a big win with tipping competition upon entry.
Can Assist Executive Director, Emma Phillips is thrilled with the new partnership and is looking forward to raising awareness and support for cancer patients across NSW and at their Wagga branch, Lilier Lodge.
“This event will raise crucial funds to support Can Assist’s work in Wagga Wagga, helping cancer patients access treatment without the burden of financial stress.”
“Alongside our local branch work of Lilier Lodge. This welcoming and supportive accommodation facility is right here in Wagga Wagga. It provides a home away from home for patients and carers who must travel to access critical cancer treatment.”
“Supporting guests access is a cornerstone of our commitment to ensuring that every person, no matter where they live, can access the care they need with dignity and hope. Money raised will also help Can Assist in their ongoing management and operation of this facility.”
With reduced presale ticket prices online, racegoers can get the family together with entry into the track from $25 to enjoy a family day out whilst also supporting Can Assist NSW and the amazing work they do for NSW residents.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is looking forward to the new partnership and raising awareness for the important work that Can Assist take part in.
“Our Spring Racing Carnival is such a highlight of the year and to now be able to involve an incredible charity such as Can Assist and shine a light on the life-changing work they do is an honor.”
“Punters can experience a fantastic day out with Group 1 racing on the big screen, endless entertainment for the kids and gourmet hospitality packages on offer which are available to book via the MTC website.”
The new partnership will see proceeds raised directly supporting Can Assist’s activities within Wagga Wagga; with funds being evenly split between the Wagga Wagga branch and the costs incurred by Can Assist’s management and support of Lilier Lodge, which accommodates some 1400 guests a year who travel into Wagga Wagga to access the regional cancer treatment services.
The Riverina will come alive from September with three months of racing, fashion, live music and entertainment with the MTC partnering with charities across four key race dates, now including the Can Assist Race Day in mid-October.
Race Goers will be able to donate to Can Assist NSW upon entry and across venues on course throughout the day, more information on how you can donate will be advised via MTC socials.
The MTC are looking forward to the warmer months with six incredible race dates across the Spring Racing Carnival kicking off with Australia’s largest Agriculture social event, Aggies Race Day on Saturday September 20.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is excited to host Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Ladies Day on Saturday May 24 which will see over 500 ladies make their way through the MTC Gates to enjoy a day of fantastic local racing, great food, and fabulous company.
The sold-out Garden Party Precinct will be in full swing with the exclusive trackside reserved area for ladies to enjoy their table of six, two bottles of wine plus a delicious Cater House Picnic Box whilst also having access to the lolly bar, private bar and live entertainment.
Ladies will receive free entry on the day courtesy of the MTC and will have the opportunity to secure Lucky Door Prizes, enter the Ladies Cup Day Sweep Competition and receive a complimentary tarot reading from Jacy Dundas who will be on course from 12.30pm – 4.30pm.
The six-race card will feature The Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Ladies Day Cup which will run as Race 3 on the program, race goers can purchase tickets into the Ladies Day Cup sweep upon entry from the registration desk on the Front Lawn.
The trackside Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Fashions on the Field will commence shortly after with friend of the MTC Jess Knox hosting the fun and fabulous event. The MTC welcomes Katherine Looney and Ash Gillogly from the House of Fitzmaurice to the judging panel.
Fashions on the Field categories include Most Fabulous Accessory, Style Queen and Best Millinery allowing ladies to get creative and have fun on stage.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is excited to host the annual race day welcoming ladies back to the track not long after the Wagga Gold Cup, “to see over 500 ladies enter our gates not long after the biggest country race meet in NSW is great to see.”
“The atmosphere on the Front Lawn at Ladies Day is incredible and one we hope to expand on in the future.”
MTC Marketing Manager Cass Writer is looking forward to the day and recommends “get your besties together, dress up and have fun!”.
“With $10 espresso martinis, an amazing selection of prizes and great racing it’s a day not to be missed!”
Michelle Robertson from the infinite songstress will keep the dancefloor pumping after the laston the Front Lawn. Travers Street gates will be open from 12.00pm and tickets will be available at the gate for $10 with the MTC Members and public outlets in operation
Wagga Gold Cup Carnival 2025
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club is honoured to present the annualWagga Gold Cup Carnival featuring the Tooheys Town Plate Day on Thursday May 1 and the Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup Day on Friday May 2 with $1 million dollars in prize money on offer across both days.
The Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is the biggest two-day carnival in country NSW and will see a jam-packed program on and off the track featuring incredible racing, premium trackside hospitality and high-end fashion.
The final fields for the Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup, Tooheys Town Plate and JRC Electrical Services MTC Guineas were locked away at 10.00am this morning at the Barrier Draw in the MTC Members Lounge.
The Autumn racing atmosphere kicks off on Tooheys Town Plate Day, which sees an eight-race card, with the feature race, the Tooheys Town Plate (1200m) worth $200,000 prize money. Amongst those horses who have drawn well are Coast Watch for Richard and Will Freedman (barrier 9), Felix Majestic for Gary Nickson (barrier 6) and The Instructor for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott (barrier 10). Of the SDRA runners, Country Championship Finalist Canny Hell (Kym Davison) has drawn nicely in barrier 7 and Our Last Cash (Donna Scott) barrier 3. Ultimately, the barrier draw has made it a very intriguing race.
With 10,000 patrons expected through the gates, the $200,000 Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) is the feature race with a strong support program featuring the $80,000 JRC Electrical Services MTC Guineas and the $75,000 Byrne Trailers Queen of the South.
The Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup features a good mix of local, provincial, and city runners and of those who fared best at the barrier draw were Bear On The Loose (Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott) barrier 1, Jimi Hendrix (Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald) barrier 2, and Matusalem (Chris Waller) barrier 6. The Tim Donnelly trained County Kilkenny has drawn perfectly in barrier 4 and Murrumbidgee Cup winner Helluva Soiree has drawn nicely in barrier 5 for Luke Pepper.
Friday’s race meet will see Renowned Horse Racing Presenter and Expert Lizzie Jelfs return to the MTC for the third year in a row conducting interviews, providing tips and engaging with the crowd. Race goers can also mingle with 7 Horse Racing Presenter Emily Riordan across both days of the Carnival.
Emily Riordan is thrilled to be back at the MTC after attending Country Championships Day, “I am so excited to be back in Wagga for the annual Wagga Gold Cup Carnival and to see all the amazing racing action across both days.”
“There is such a great atmosphere at the MTC and it’s such a unique race day experience, it really showcases country racing at its finest.”
The 2025 Faces of the Carnival, Sophie Grant and Adam Whicker, will be roaming on course interviewing excited race goers as well as assisting at the Presentation Stage over both days of the Carnival. The National Anthem will be sung by Rebecca Taber, who will set the tone for the horses to jump from the barriers for the 2025 Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup at 4.20pm.
The Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Fashions on the Field precinct will kick off after race two and includes a prize pool of over $20,000 which is made up of donations from the generous Wagga community. Judging this year’s competition will be Luxury Fashion and Style Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Damien Woolnough, Fashions on the Field enthusiast Viera Macikova, Multi Award Winning Milliner Andrea Cainero and Fashion Model and Influencer Demi Brereton.
Demi Brereton is looking forward to making the journey from Melbourne and seeing the amazing autumn racing style that regional NSW has to offer.
“I have heard so much about the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival and am so thrilled to be one of the Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Fashions on the Field Judges this year.”
“Fashions on the Field brings so much excitement to local stores and boutiques, it’s so amazing to see the economic contribution a two-day Carnival brings to a regional area. There are so many fantastic autumn racing fashion trends and I can’t wait to see them come to life at the biggest country race meet in NSW.”
Murrumbidgee Turf Club CEO, Jason Ferrario is looking forward to seeing the large crowds returning to the track for this year’s Carnival. “The atmosphere of the Gold Cup is unmatched to any other race meet in NSW. There is increased prize money on offer this year which attracts fantastic interstate trainers, horses and jockeys.”
“Seeing our local trainers showcase their horses as well as see ownership groups in celebration is the highlight of the Carnival.”
“Hospitality has again sold out in the weeks prior and general admission ticket sales at this time indicate another big crowd will be in attendance. The MTC recommends ticket purchases being made online, as this speeds up the entry process on race day”.
The Punters Podium will be in full swing across both days located near the main Grandstand with Sky Racing form expert Mick Wallace providing race goers with tips and insights into each race as well as placing bets on behalf of the Punters Club. Shares can be purchased for $10.
There will be no shortage of entertainment with Geoff Simpson and Jamie Way and Vino & Vinyl performing in the Tanqueray Cocktail Lounge, Aaron Oldaker performing crowd favourites in the Tooheys Punters Paddock, as well as Radio Velvet who will keep the dance floor pumping after the last.
This year’s charity partner Riding for the Disabled, Wagga will receive proceeds from the limited edition 2025 Wagga Gold Cup pins which racegoers can purchase for $5 from venues across course.
Gates open at 11.00am on both Thursday and Friday with bars in operation until 6.00pm. Free buses will be available on at the end of Wagga Gold Cup Day departing from the Slocum Street exit from 4.30pm and will do circuits downtown where Wagga RSL Club will be hosting the official Cup After Party.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) Board of Directors and Management are delighted to announce the official 2025 MTC charity partnership with the Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Wagga Wagga commencing earlier this year.
RDA Wagga Wagga enable people living with disabilities or additional support needs to experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement through equestrian related activities, improving their quality of life, attaining personal goals and developing life skills.
Partnering with the MTC will see gate entry cash donations collected from several race meetings per year donated to the RDA, with the chosen race days a new opportunity to fundraise for the RDA.
Two such race meetings have already been conducted, with donations already collected from those meetings. Several other race meetings later in the year will provide ample opportunity for further fundraising.
The partnership will also include the return of the well-known Wagga Gold Cup Pin, which will become an exclusive collectable item with the year 2025 engraved and will be sold alongside racebooks for $5 this coming Wagga Gold Cup Carnival. A portion of the sale will be donated to the RDA.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is thrilled to be supporting RDA Wagga and to see the return of the Wagga Gold Cup Pin.
“Partnering with the RDA as this year’s chosen charity is a great opportunity to fundraise and spread awareness of the amazing work that takes place at RDA Wagga Wagga.”
“Allowing race goers to be a part of the fundraising experience with purchasing a Gold Cup Pin is a great initiative and one we hope to continue in the years to come.”
Racegoers can purchase their Wagga Gold Cup pin on course over both days of the Carnival from race book sellers upon entry, as well as at the Members Bar and Trackside Bar on course.
RDA Treasurer Roberta Bailey is delighted with this year’s partnership and is looking forward to working closely with the MTC.
“All donations are gratefully appreciated and enable RDA Wagga to continue our work providing horse riding programs for people with disabilities.”
It is great when local business’s get behind our cause and create an opportunity for our program to continue.”
As the year draws to a close, staff members from the RDA will be welcomed to the MTC for a formal presentation of the money raised throughout the year.
The MTC are looking forward to this new partnership and giving back to the local community at multiple race days throughout the year as well as the biggest country race meet in NSW, the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival on Thursday May 1 and Friday May 2.
The first race day of the 2025 Wagga Gold Cup Carnival saw a great day of racing including four feature prelude races with winning horses exempt from the Tooheys Town Plate, Byrne Trailers Queen of the South, JRC Electrical Services MTC Guineas and the long-awaited Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup.
The Murrumbidgee Cup Open Heat of the Stayer Series saw Helluva Soiree secure its golden ticket into the Wagga RSL Wagga Gold Cup ridden beautifully by Claire Ramsbotham for trainer Luke Pepper.
I Am Lethal took home the win in the Kooringal Stud Town Plate Prelude, ridden by Louise Day and trained by the Kembla Grange trainer Mitch Beer securing its position into the Tooheys Town Plate on Thursday May 1.
Jockey Blaike McDougall rose Dupli Kate to the finish line in the Sandbar Guineas Prelude securing the Norm Gardner trained filly exempt from the MTC Guineas on Friday May 2.
Asgarda The Queen of the South Prelude saw Bon Holler take out the win with Thurgoona trainer Donna Scott ridden by Blaide McDougall securing its place in the filly and mare race on Friday May 2.
A great day of racing in the lead up to the 2025 Wagga Gold Cup.
